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Skin

Setting the Record Straight about Sunscreen

As redheads, we all know how that the use of sunscreen is inscribed in our everyday thoughts. Every redhead should have sunscreen in their makeup, lotion and even apply real sunscreen when out in the sun. Although, there are so many scientific discoveries we hear about; is sunscreen protecting us from skin cancer? Which rays do we need to protect our skin from? How frequently should we apply?

What is the real truth?

We once again sat down with Dr. Leslie Baumann and she set the record straight about the use of sunscreen:

1. Apply the proper amount: Dr. Baumann, “People do not use enough sunscreen.  Studies show they only use 25% of the proper amount.” Follow the instructions in the back of your sunscreen bottle and apply frequently.

2.UVB & UVA:  “Some sunscreens only cover UVB.  UVA is very harmful because it penetrates deeper than UVB.  It does not make you red so you do not know to go in the sun.  Many dermatologists believe that people in the past did not sue broad spectrum sunscreen and they had a false sense of security so they stayed in the sun longer and had increased damage.  That led to an increase in skin cancer.  It is important to look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that covers UVA and UVB,” says Dr. Baumann.

3.Infrared Rays: “New evidence shows that Infrared rays, which are not blocked by sunscreen, can cause damage to skin cells,” said Dr. Leslie Baumann, “so again, increased sun exposure leads to skin cancer even if you wear sunscreen.”

Rock it like a Redhead!

 

 

Skin

Do Natural Redheads Have More Cellulite Than Others?

It’s the end of April and it’s time when every girl starts thinking about their “summer bodies” and swimming suits. Women across the world complain about the same skin issue: cellulite. There are many factors that contribute to one’s susceptibility to cellulite development, those being: gender, race, age and body composition.

Women are more susceptible to cellulite development than men because men have more muscle mass. Moreover, studies have proven that caucasian women are more prone to cellulite than African American and Asian women; this is because African American and Asian women have dark skin tones, which means more melanin.

If a woman has more melanin in her skin, she has a stronger resistance to UV rays and a stronger resistance to cellulite development. A lack of melanin is what is responsible for red hair and freckles. So, ladies, it isn’t your imagination: redheads can have more cellulite than the norm.

Here are some of our favorite remedies for the c-word:

1. Coffee Grinds: Rub dry coffee grinds on the area 2-3 times a week. We recommend doing this in the bath tub because it can be a bit messy.

natural-remedy- to-get-rid-of-Cellulite-how-to-be-a-redhead

2. Special Lotions: We love Nivea’s Goodbye Cellulite. It really does a great job at tightening the skin and you’re sure to notice a big difference.

nivea-goodbye-cellulite-how-to-be-a-redhead

The only question left to ask is, how many more days until summer?

Hair

Tips on Taking Care of Your Red Hair

Truth: Natural redheads have the thickest hair, but have the smallest number of strands.

For this reason, redheads have very fine hair and must take care of it.

Here are some tips for your daily hair regimen:

1. Be gentle when brushing your hair because it does pull on your hair. Trick: Try to not brush your hair when it’s wet because it causes dead ends.

2. Don’t shampoo if you don’t have to! We wash our hair every 3-5 days depending on how we style it because it doesn’t need to be washed. When it does get oily, we use a dry shampoo. Try: R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo ($32).

We apply it at the roots and work it through our hair. If you are in a pinch, resort to baby powder.. it works like a charm!

3. Dip your hair in olive oil and pin it up for a few hours while watching your favorite sitcom. You’ll notice a natural shine.

4. Eat the right foods because the vitamins will enhance your hair and nails!

Confident Lifestyle

Red Hair: Why The MC1R Gene Really Is A Genetic Mutation

As redheads, you may have heard something about a mutant gene called MC1R. In a late study, researchers tested for the MC1R gene variant, finding it in 65 of 67 redheads.

We spoke with the internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist (redhead too!), Dr. Leslie Baumann M.D., to discuss the Mc1R and what it’s all about.

She explains, “There are two types of skin pigment in the skin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Redheads have more pheomelanin which causes the reddish pigment. Red hair (increased pheomelanin) appears in people with two copies of a mutation in the MC1R (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor).  Basically- this is a receptor- that when stimulated makes the skin cells (called melanocytes) make more pigment (called melanin).”

This is the same pathway that makes one tan when exposed to the sun.  It also causes increased endorphins upon sun exposure which is why you feel so good when out in the sun.  This receptor is also activated by the sun which causes a cascade that can result in the development of various forms of skin cancer including the deadly melanoma.



“It is the defect in the MC1R gene that causes red hair, freckling and an increased incidence of melanoma,” says Baumann.

So, redheads beware!  Most cannot tan and redheads are at a higher risk of skin cancer, so just forget about laying out in the sun. Embrace your skin, wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

If you must have color, invest in a great self-tanner and embrace the fact that this MC1R gene makes redheads look younger! Read more here.

Rock it like a Redhead!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE H2BAR BOX: A MONTHLY BEAUTY BOX FOR REDHEADS! USE CODE: REDHAIR FOR 15% OFF. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 

Jennifer Haynes

Henna For Redheads

By: Jennifer Haynes

Henna is a plant which produces flowers used for many different things from cosmetics to dying wool or leather. It is becoming a trend now to use henna to attain the perfect shade of red. Not only does it coat your hair in a gorgeous red, but it is also extremely healthy to use. Commercial dyes use lots of chemicals that are harmful for your health in the long run and they also are not healthy for your hair and can dry it out.

Here are the benefits of using Henna: 

-Cools heat from scalp and body.

-Doesn’t disturb natural oils or pH balance of the scalp.

-Helps reduce headaches and other pains.

-Aids in a restful sleep, helpful with insomnia.

-Therapeutic and calming.

-Fights scalp infection or dandruff.

-Improves blood circulation which helps prevent thinning hair and stimulates hair growth.

-Thoroughly cleanses scalp and adds bounce and body to hair.

Here is one way to use Henna next time you need a little color enhancement: 

1. Choose henna that is body art quality because this will ensure that you get good color.

2. Mix lemon juice and henna powder. It should turn into the same consistency of yogurt.

3. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the henna to cure for a minimum of 12 hours in a warm place.

4. Put the henna into a plastic bottle and apply the henna paste to your hair in sections starting at the roots.

5. Leave the henna on for about 2-6 hours shampoo and rinse with warm water.

Your hair will start out a much brighter color and darken over the next two days. 

 

Skin

Invest in Suga-hh!

You hear and read it everywhere: exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.

When you exfoliate, it scrubs off dead skin and rejuvenates.

Throughout the years, we’ve spent hundreds of dollars buying different exfoliating scrubs and we wish we would have known to use sugar all along!

Yes, sugar!

We buy Sugar of the Raw Sugar at our local grocery store. It’s usually $3-5.00 depending where you shop.

Since our redheaded skin is sensitive, especially behind the back of our arms, the sugar gives our skin a polished, baby feel.

We keep a container of sugar in the shower and follow this regiment two or three times a week:

1. Make sure your palm is wet

2. Combine body soap (make sure it doesn’t have harmful chemicals or perfumes!) with sugar until you have a pasty exfoliating scrub

3. Start from the bottom of your feet and work up to your neck and face. Once you get to your face, be careful around the eye area.

Trick: You can even use it to exfoliate your lips! Before bed, use the same regimen as above and then apply lipgloss over night.

Your redheaded skin (and lips) will glow all week!

Photo Credit

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